Federal Funding Announced for UNBC Research

Friday, May 23, 2008 03:34 PM

Federal funding, totalling more than $2.3 million, has been announced for four projects.

More than $822,000 will be directed toward three projects at UNBC as part of the Community Economic Diversification Initiative (CEDI).

Additionally, the Province of British Columbia will receive $1.5 million, under the federal Mountain Pine Beetle Program, to bolster spread-control efforts on the western slopes of the southern Rockies and in the North Peace River area.

Federal funding of $403,720 will enable UNBC to perform research to identify applications for Terahertz (THz) radiation imaging technology. This technology can assist in measuring density and moisture content and defects in lumber, thereby assisting forestry firms to more efficiently allocate wood based on its quality.

An additional $361,301 investment will help UNBC and the Wood Pellet Association of Canada conduct a pilot project comparing wood pellets to natural gas in terms of cost, productivity and emissions. The pellets will be largely derived from pine beetle wood.

A further $57,972 investment will assist UNBC to prepare a background report and host the "Expert Dialogue on Future Forest and Fibre Use Opportunities" forum to be held in Prince George in the fall of 2008.

"Fundamental to the mission of UNBC is its responsiveness to critical issues affecting the northern region," says UNBC President, Dr. Don Cozzetto. "The pine beetle epidemic has been one of these critical issues, and we are keen to be part of the recovery through these projects and others."

The $1.5 million spread control investment is part of the Government of Canada's ongoing Mountain Pine Beetle Program.

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Federal Funding Announced for UNBC Research

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